CROWHURST

♣ ♥ ♠ ♦

Crowhurst Convention is a critically important mechanism used in BETA's 1♣ sequences
aimed at detecting a fit 4-4 or 5-3 or 6-2 by the 2-level.

You open 1♣ - BETA's most frequent opening (approximately 8.5% probability): - 12-18HCP.
[not fit for a 12-14 1NT or ANY other BETA opening]

Partner responds by transfers 1♦ shows 5+ Hearts; 1♥ shows 5+ Spades & 1♠ shows 5+ Diamonds or 1NT no major 6-9. Partner may also pre-empt, also termed as a 'Break-out' with a 6+ card suit <=8 HCP at the 3-level.

When an opponent Interferes:

1♦ then * shows Hearts; 1♥ then * shows Spades & interferes 1♠ then * shows Hearts. Note preference given to still show a Major with intereference.
Interference can take the bidding to the three level before the fit can be announced.

Opener Rebids:

Agree suit at the 1-level: e.g. 1♣-1♦!-1♥ or 1♣-1♥ !-1♠ or 1♣-(1♦)-*-(P)-1♥ or 1♣-(1♥ )-*-(P)-1♠..... whenever possible.

CROWHURST - a rebid of - 1N 12-16 HCP Balanced - a rebid following an openings of 1any when no fit is found at the 1-level.

2♣ 9+ HCP Forcing

2♦ 12-14 Diamonds
2Ma 12-14 3 card Major support OR 4 card so far unbid Major
2N 14-15 HCP
3♣ 16HCP Balanced
3♦ 15-16 HCP
3Ma 15-16HCP 4+ card support OR so far 4 card unbid Major
3N [15]-16

Responder rebids his suit showing 6+ cards but <9HCP...weak!
Shows a 2nd suit <9HCP

Other Opener Rebids

2♦, 2♥ , 2♠ 12-14: showing a 4 card fit for partner's suit

2N 17-18HCP Balanced - denies fit + FULL PUPPET

3any, 15-18 4+ card support

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